Mother accused of kidnapping agrees to extradition

AFTER months of delays, a Mountain Creek mother wanted on kidnapping charges in the US has willingly agreed to extradition.

Dorothy Lee Barnett, 53, is accused of stealing her daughter Savanna Todd - known today as Samantha Geldynhuys - when she was a baby in 1994.

Barnett was arrested by Federal Police officer Pedr O'Callaghan at her home in November.

She appeared in Maroochydore Magistrates Court yesterday to finalise the last remaining legal requirements enabling her extradition to the US.

Magistrate Annette Hennessy advised Barnett the consequences of agreeing to the proceedings meant she would subject to any "surrender" certificate issued by the Attorney-General's Department and likely result in her delivery to US authorities.

"In light of that advice, do you still consent to being surrendered?" Magistrate Hennessy asked.

"Yes, Your Honour," Barnett replied.

Ms Barnett is charged with parental kidnapping and falsifying passports.